Yuxin Chuan Cai

Yuxin Chuan Cai 渝信川菜, a restaurant chain that has been operating in China since 1993, is widely considered one of the best restaurants in Shanghai by locals and expat residents alike. Yuxin Chuan Cai specializes in affordable, mouth-numbing Sichuan cuisine. If you're a fan of fiery flavors, it's a place you'll want to visit again and again.

Located on the third floor of an office building, the decor of Yuxin Chuan Cai is simple, traditional, and unassuming, but as seasoned travellers know, it is often these places that serve the best food. Although it's the largest Sichuan restaurant in the city, you'll often find a line of people waiting for their turn to dine. It's great for large groups as it offers private rooms so friends, families, and colleagues can feast and enjoy in privacy.

The menu is massive, and visitors will be pleased to know that it has a picture menu, so ordering is easy! Items are also marked with a spice level, with one chili pepper being the least spicy.

Some of the most popular dishes on the menu are the Shui Zhu Yu 水煮鱼 (Fish Filets in Hot Chili Oil) or La Zi Ji 辣子鸡 (sautéed chicken with chili peppers and peppercorn) for those craving the mouth-numbing flavor of Sichuan peppercorn. For those who like a bit less spice, the tea-smoked duck is a welcome relief from the heat.